About the video
Pain and problems can make us angry and doubt God’s plan, but I want to share with you today four scriptures that have changed my perspective and helped me see problems as opportunities.
Painful problems can lead to pleasant places
Psalm 16:5-6 says
“Lord, I have chosen you alone as my inheritance. You are my prize, my pleasure, and my portion. I leave my destiny and its timing in your hands. [6] Your pleasant path leads me to pleasant places. I’m overwhelmed by the privileges that come with following you, for you have given me the best!”
Psalm 16:5-6 TPT
- I experience chronic lower back pain. I shared about it in a video on the channel before, you check it out if you haven’t, I have a couple of bulging discs which causes nerve issues and a whole lot of discomfort.
- With not being able to function how I normally want to, how could God be leading me to a pleasant place? I can be angry and feel like my identity and destiny were going down the drain.
- The New International Version explains this verse a little differently:
The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance.
Psalm 16:6 NIV
- For me, the “pleasant places” have been deeper relationships. Having chronic pain stops me in my tracks at times and with that, makes it possible for me to spend more effort building relationships. I finally had to slow down and stop getting a sense of security from being a busybody, all because in those moments my priorities have to shift.
- When we choose to trust God, we can find a path to pleasant places even in the midst of painful problems.
Problems can teach us to pray
Hannah answered, “Sir, I have not drunk any wine or beer. I am deeply troubled, and I was telling the LORD about all my problems. [16] Don’t think I am a bad woman. I have been praying so long because I have so many troubles and am very sad.”
1 Samuel 1:15-16 ERV
- Hannah is a married woman in the Bible who wanted children but she was barren. Her husband tried to comfort her, but it didn’t help. So she cried out to God.
- In God, we find the safety and security to share all our problems, just as Hannah did
- I have to slow down and tell God about my pain, the disappointment I felt in being left out, and the brokenness I felt of not having the same abilities as others. All this helped normalize my feelings and give me more self-control.
- Praying through my problems also gave me peace and calmed the panic I felt in my heart when my back pain would flare up. And once I had shared my problems with God, I always found it easier to talk to my friends too.
Problems can help us change lives
One of the stories in the Bible that is really helpful to read in times of trouble is that of Joseph in Genesis 37-50.
As for you, you meant to harm me, but God intended it for a good purpose, so he could preserve the lives of many people, as you can see this day.
Genesis 50:20 NET
- God didn’t cause the bad things that happened in Joseph’s life, but he stayed with Joseph every step of the way and turned difficulties into opportunities for good.
- Eventually, Joseph became a leader who saved many people from dying from a famine. Similarly, God can change our perspective on our problems by giving us a good purpose in our pain.
- Because of what I’ve been through, I’ve been able to change the lives of and give hope to many other people suffering pain, whether physical or emotional. God’s good purpose gives me a spiritual perspective on my pain.
Problems can deepen our faith in God
In Psalm 91:14 in the Message is reads…
“If you’ll hold on to me for dear life,” says GOD, “I’ll get you out of any trouble. I’ll give you the best of care if you’ll only get to know and trust me. Call me and I’ll answer, be at your side in bad times; I’ll rescue you, then throw you a party. I’ll give you a long life, give you a long drink of salvation!”
Psalm 91:14 MSG
- My first reaction to my injury was a determination to get back on the track, then depression when nothing was working. I didn’t realize God was working behind the scenes all along to deepen my faith in and appreciation for him.
- His purpose for me all along wasn’t to just run around and try to make everyone happy, it was to develop a genuine love and care for him and people.
- We can’t give up when we face problems, no matter how much they pile up. With God we can get out of any trouble; nothing is too hard for him!
Reflection Questions
- Physical or emotional pain can make me doubt that God has a purpose or plan, but he always comes through and helps me through every problem
- How do you think God can work something good out of the problems in your life right now?
- Make sure to like this video and subscribe to our YouTube channel for more video devotionals that will take your relationship with God to a deeper level.
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